2nd Marathon- Planned and Registered

Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon Saturday, October 20, 2007

It looks like this running thing might stick around as I've registered for the KC Marathon. The casual base runs are over as my official training started June 13th. Hopefully I'll register for a couple 5k runs and maybe the Louis and Clark Half Marathon to keep things exciting. The hot dog days of summer are a bit humid here in St. Louis, but I'm determine to finish. Anyone want to join me? You can do it.

1st Marathon Complete

Below are notes written in April of 2007 on completing my first marathon.

St. Louis Marathon April 15, 2007

Well, I did it. It was a beautiful day and an awesome experience. Thanks to all those who came down to cheer me on. Seeing your faces really gave me an extra boost to get through it. Also thanks to everyone for your support and encouraging words along the 4-month journey. Especially thanks to my wife for her support and creating the following video. She had to put up with my training schedule, deal with sweaty clothes, and hear me talk about running constantly. I’m going to enjoy this relaxing time, but in a month I’ll either find a new hobby or start all over and train for a new marathon in the Fall of 2007.

My marathon technically expressed in heart rate, elevation and pace.

Baby Stroller for Runners

6.00 miles

Here is a picture of my friend Dan and his baby Aaron. (He doesn't know I took this picture). We ran a hilly loop through our neighborhood and tested out his new baby jogging stroller. I think Aaron enjoyed the ride since he never cried and even cracked a smile here and there. ....wonder what he was really thinking. If you don't have a baby sitter than this fly ride is the next best thing to keep you on the road. Think pushing a stroller is hard? Check out Dick Hoyt as he tows, pulls, and pushes his son through several ironmans. Wow...he is the man and a big inspiration.

Removing the Earphones

6.75 miles

The Midwest has been hot lately so today I decided on holding out a couple hours in hopes for cooler temps as the sun was setting. By 7:30 the temperature was very pleasant and off I went. Normally, I'm a big fan or listening to a running podcast or tuning into a local radio station but tonight was different. I removed the earphone and experienced a new run full or new sites and sounds. A couple months ago I depended on noise to keep me moving and motivated but now I think, as I'm evolving, running itself is the motivation. It was very nice to hear my footsteps, hear my breathing, and get lost in my thoughts. Most of my thoughts were random (e.g. What is the deal with yard ornaments and yard jockeys? Will I ever own a huge house like the one located on Mosley drive in Creve Coeur MO? Should we get a dog?). It was also a great opportunity for prayer and overall just have time for reflection. Come tomorrow I'll probably put the earbuds back in and listen to Steve Runner's goofy podcast but I will make an effort to run without earphone at least twice a week and enjoy myself.

Intervals at the Track

Monday was speed interval day and decided to do something new....run on a track. So, Dan and I went to our local high school to get a couple laps in. The goal was to run 4 x .75 mile runs at a quick pace (sub 8min/mile) with .25 mile jog in between for a total of around 4.25 miles. At first, we thought scaling the fence was in order but was pleasantly surprised to find a gate did not exist. It turns out the school welcomes its community to the facility when not in use. Take advantage...you do pay for it in taxes. Overall , we enjoyed the experience and was encouraged how fast we ran the speed laps. Like my last post, a change of scenery is good and it's amazing how a flat springy surface makes a difference.

I highly encourage you to run at a local school tracks because:

1. No guessing or calculating distance. 1 lap (400 m) is close to a 1/4 mile
   
2. H20 hydration is good (set a jug down or drink at the fountain)
   
3. If you have a sudden attack for some reason need to leave early, you just jump back in your car
4. You are running faster than you think
   

Cross Training- Breath of Fresh Air

What a great day! I can't believe today was the first biking experiece of the year. With the heat topping out around 95F, it was a nice break from running. We are blessed to live only 4 miles from a wonderful outdoor experience. Creve Coeur Park contains a 350 acre body of water surrounded by 3.7 mile paved ashpahlt loop. It also offers 2 additional loops of just over 2.5 miles each. If that isn't enough, there is an out and back path that leads over the Missouri river which connects to the Katy Trail. On my ride I witnessed people from all age groups biking, running, and roller blading. People were walking their dogs, sun-bathing, playing fresbie golf, fishing, barbequeing, and just enjoying the outdoors. On the lake there were wind-surfers and kayakers. It was also a treat to witness a sailboat race of about 20 boats. It appears the Creve Ceour Sailing Association races races every Sunday. What I've learned- Picture perfect scenry while surrounded by others is much more inspirational for me than running solo on a lonely road....Not to metion the time passes much quicker. Today also sparked my interesest in kayaking.

07.07.07

Today is my first blog posting. I've been reading blogs and listening to podcast for the last couple years to find inspiration, learn new things, and understand people better by reading their thoughts and opinions. In the process, I've realized that I might have a lot to share. Even if I'm the only reader of this in a year from now, it will be fun to look back see the growth and foolishness.

What is my theme?
It is pretty wide open, just random thoughts while running.


Ran 8.12 miles at 8:00am-
Today is 07.07.07. Several people are scheduled to be married today because of the lucky numbers. Are these lucky numbers? What does luck even mean? Wikapedia states that Luck is a chance happening, or that which happens beyond a person's control. I agree with this statement but know that God has something to do with our good fortune. Out of habit, it's easy to say to someone, "I wish you luck". Maybe we should start saying "I wish you success". Instead of say "I lucked out", maybe we should start saying "I was really blessed". Biblically the number 7 means perfection as God rested on the 7th day. If you think about it that way, 7.7.07 is a perfect day to get married.